Meet Your Neighbor: Magda Kaczmarska

“I am a dance artist, researcher, Atlantic Fellow for Equity in Brain Health and founding executive director of the arts and health non-profit DanceStream Projects. I first became connected with QCH in 2021 through their Social Adult Day Services program through our dance and storytelling program, Stories in the Moment. It ended up being incredibly serendipitous; at a time during the pandemic when this community truly struggled, we were able to come together online and collectively bring light, joy, and connection to local people living with dementia and care partners. This year marks our third year collaborating with the program.

I am honored, through DanceStream Projects to partner with QCH to bring dance programs that support brain health and celebrate the vitality, creativity and diversity of Queens-based older adults as well as people living with dementia. Recently, our team wrapped up a 4-month collaboration with all 6 QCH older adult centers in exploring the interconnection of dance, brain health and belonging. November 1st, Forest Hills hosted our culminating dance party, joined by over 160 older adults from across Queens! But one of the biggest gifts for me, has been collaborating with the QCH’s Queens Center for Gay Seniors (QCGS). As a queer immigrant, being welcomed into this beautiful community and connecting with them through dance and storytelling has helped my find a home. This year, collaborating with the members of QCGS on a dance they choreographed and performed and broadcasted around the globe on International Day of Older Persons was a highlight of my year. I absolutely love partnering with QCH and look forward to what more we can accomplish in 2025.” 

— Magda Kaczmarska, Founding Executive Director of DanceStream Projects